Susan Ward-Jones, M.D. Elected Board Chair of Community Health Centers of Arkansas
- Katrina Dupins
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Susan Ward-Jones, M.D., CEO of East Arkansas Family Health Center, Inc. (EAFHC), has been elected to lead the Board of Community Health Centers of Arkansas (CHCA), the largest primary care network in the state.
CHCA Board members chose Dr. Ward-Jones earlier this year, marking her second time in the role after previously serving as chair from 2009 to 2014. Her current three-year term began Wednesday, July 1. She replaces Debbie Ackerson, CEO of Boston Mountain Rural Health Center, who was serving in an interim position.
“I’m honored to lead this dynamic group of leaders as we navigate the ever-evolving healthcare landscape at the local, state, and national levels,” Dr. Ward-Jones said. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead to advance rural health transformation, strengthen new partnerships, and improve health outcomes for Arkansans. We also deeply appreciate the engagement of our state and federal delegation and their continued commitment to supporting Arkansas’s community health centers and the vital role they play in serving our communities.”
As CEO of EAFHC, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) headquartered in West Memphis, Dr. Ward-Jones not only sees patients, but also oversees 12 healthcare delivery sites, three pharmacies and a staff of 279 employees. She is an internal medicine physician who earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Dillard University and a medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Dr. Ward-Jones is a long-time advocate for her community, holding several positions of leadership in local organizations and commissions. She is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Arkansas Department of Health in 2011 and the Calvin King Economic Development Award from the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus in 2016. She has also served on the Arkansas State Board of Health and the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Policy Board.
As Board chair, Dr. Ward-Jones will provide guidance for CHCA and the community health centers (CHCs) it supports across the state. CHCs deliver high-quality, affordable care to patients and reduce costs for America's healthcare system. Health centers are consumer-governed, patient-centered health care organizations that provide cost-effective primary care in populations with limited access to healthcare. CHCs in Arkansas serve 368,248 patients across more than 250 locations.
About Community Health Centers of Arkansas CHCA, the Primary Care Association for Arkansas, is a nonprofit organization established in 1985. CHCA works to expand access to affordable, quality health care while serving as a unified voice for the state’s 12 Community Health Centers (CHCs) and their patients. Together, CHCs operate more than 250 locations across Arkansas. CHCA collaborates with local, state and federal partners, organizations, and policy makers to advocate for policies and regulations that strengthen the CHCs’ ability to provide affordable, accessible, and comprehensive, quality health care services to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Learn more at chc-ar.org.
Comments